Computer Science
Breakthroughs in computing are fundamentally changing the landscape of contemporary life.
- How do algorithms reproduce – or resist – existing biases in our society? How will artificial intelligence evolve in the future? How do machines learn?
- As a computer science major at Alma College, you’ll explore application design and development, including the study of algorithms, programming languages and computing systems. You’ll also debate the complex social and ethical questions that preoccupy – and divide – some of the leading minds in technology.
- You’ll study programming languages like Python and Java. You’ll learn how to pick up new languages by understanding their fundamental characteristics. You’ll build applications using at least two contemporary programming idioms, such as object-oriented, functional and declarative programming.
- And you’ll work side by side with your peers, community partners and our expert faculty. You’ll learn to solve complex problems in the real world with a flexible, transferable suite of skills.
At A Glance
-
12:1Student-to-faculty ratio
-
18Average class size
Possible Careers
Breakthroughs in computing are fundamentally changing the landscape of contemporary life.
- How do algorithms reproduce – or resist – existing biases in our society? How will artificial intelligence evolve in the future? How do machines learn?
- As a computer science major at Alma College, you’ll explore application design and development, including the study of algorithms, programming languages and computing systems. You’ll also debate the complex social and ethical questions that preoccupy – and divide – some of the leading minds in technology.
- You’ll study programming languages like Python and Java. You’ll learn how to pick up new languages by understanding their fundamental characteristics. You’ll build applications using at least two contemporary programming idioms, such as object-oriented, functional and declarative programming.
- And you’ll work side by side with your peers, community partners and our expert faculty. You’ll learn to solve complex problems in the real world with a flexible, transferable suite of skills.
Explore
Student & Alumni Spotlights
No one describes the Alma experience better than those living it. Explore their stories, in their own words, below.
With the small class sizes, I was able to have the really great, intense conversations with my classmates and really think deeply about the problems that we're solving for our coursework.
I was lucky enough to pursue a master's degree afterwards and most of what I covered in the master's degree was things I had already done as part of my undergraduate work.
With the small class sizes, I was able to have the really great, intense conversations with my classmates and really think deeply about the problems that we're solving for our coursework.
I was lucky enough to pursue a master's degree afterwards and most of what I covered in the master's degree was things I had already done as part of my undergraduate work.
Get to Know Computer Science
Meet the Faculty
Explore the Curriculum
Learn more about the fundamental courses that will offer a roadmap for your academic growth and expertise development.
Program Highlights
In Alma’s computing laboratories, you’ll hone the tools you need to flourish in your future career.
You’ll have access to state-of-the-art equipment, including 3-D printers, Raspberry Pi workstations and computing-intensive servers that support big data, graphics and visualization and virtual networks to the labs.
You can also connect with like-minded peers in the Alma College Developers Club. This newly-formed, student-led organization provides opportunities to develop programming skills and build a professional network through connections with nationally-recognized companies.
When you graduate, you may also choose to pursue advanced study in Alma’s master of science in communication and information technology (CIT). This rigorous, graduate-level degree will prepare you to lead organizations through the rapidly evolving technological and regulatory landscape.
Where Can Computer Science Take Me?
Because computer science combines the principles of engineering, mathematics and science, it opens up a wide range of careers to you. And you won’t be short of opportunities: between 2017 and 2027, the number of STEM jobs will increase by 13%, compared to 9% for non-STEM jobs.
Our students leave Alma ready for advanced study and employment in high-demand roles such as software development, computational science, website and database administration, information systems consulting and computer system administration.